Job Discussion Forums

patchwork · Joined: 23 Aug 2004 Posts: 55 Location: in transit

hello,

does anyone know where I can get the Twinrix hepA + hepB vaccination in taipei? I have done the first two of a set of 3 and need the 3rd one. i was supposed to get it in europe but, well, stuff happened.

also, i'd like to know if i can get any other vaccines at any clincs you may know of

thanks,

izzyismydog · Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2004 2:37 pm Post subject: we were told...

We were told by the physicians(a few conferred with eachother and the pharmacy) at one of the larger hospitals in Tainan that it isn't available in Tainan, and they seemed to think it wasn't available in Taiwan either. I tried to find it via tealit but nothing turned up. we ended up getting the separate shots for our no. 3s which will apparently work just as well, and it cost as little as the Twinrx back home.

Aristotle · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1388 Location: Taiwan

The local government on Taiwan regulates and taxes the medical sector to favour local pharmaceutical manufacturers. Shocked

Rumour has it Taiwan's WTO membership may come under fire because of Taiwan's failure to adhere to the treaties they signed as a condition of admission.
At a time when Taiwan's best interest would be better served by encouraging open access and deregulation the local government seems to be taking the opposite approach any chance it gets. Many of the more ignorant people on this island accept this because the incredibly corrupt government mask it with words like localisation or nationalism.
The quality of local medicine is also questionable because of lack of open competition and proper oversight. As a general rule in Taiwan you get what you pay for. Cheap means cheap.
Good luck,
A.

izzyismydog · Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2004 4:50 am Post subject: hep A/B shots

I should also mention, that while the TWINRX was not available, the shots that we did recieve were the other ones named on our vaccination cards- the same brand as TWINRX only the separate shots. I can't remember what the brand name is right now and I don't feel like looking for my record, but I thoroughly read the box and insert before taking the shot due to my personal distrust of vaccinations in general and Taiwan in specific and they appeared to be what they claimed.
just FYI

and the pharmacy was apologetic about the high cost- which was cheaper than my partially subsidized TWINRX in Canada.

Idania · Joined: 20 Jun 2004 Posts: 1

Okay, here's some helpful advice, because my hubby and I are in the middle of getting our vaccinations done:
Go to Dr. Bear's Family Clinic in Tien Mu, (02)2872-9980
1F, #9, Lame 82, ChungShan N. Rd, Section 7, TienMu.

Hours of operation: M-Sat, 9-noon, 2-5pm, 6-9pm.

The Taipei American School, is on ChungShan N. Rd, Section 6; you just have to keep going and you will head uphill; the lane will be on your right-hand side.

They wrote in my husband's cars that it was Twinrix that we were receiving. Hope this helps!